When comparing Procedures I and II in terms of
productivity, environmental impact, fiber quality and
size distribution, many differences showed up. It was
noticed that the first one was less environmentally
aggressive, while the second one involved less
process time and drove to fibers with more homogeneous
diameter distribution.
From scanning electron microscopy; different
morphologies were observed at every stage of each
procedure. After cellulose was obtained, a simple
acid hydrolysis conducted to nanofibers, which was
confirmed by AFM images. These fibers will be used
in future works in the production of biodegradable
nanocomposites with enhanced properties.